System and method of wirelessly triggering portable devices

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides for a system and method of wirelessly triggering portable devices to provide a user with audio and/or visual information related to a show or attraction, for example, or for the purposes of captioning, language translation, assistive listening, and descriptive audio. As a person moves about a venue, a portable device receives signals from transmitters at venue locations. Transmissions may be via infrared or radio signals. The receiving device decodes each signal as a venue location, event time, or device trigger. The receiving device processes the signal and its memory to start a presentation on the device. The portable device memory contains audio, text, graphics, and/or visual content; device playback may contain one or many of these stored contents. The stored content may be synchronized with the user&#39;s location, time of travel, time of day, time of a show, or an event in a show. Stored content may be in one or many languages. Presentation of stored content on the portable device may also be altered by user preference, stored logic constraints, automatic learning of user behavior, or user interaction with other devices.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/897,251, filed on Jul.21, 2004, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10,314,070filed on Dec. 5, 2002, which claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 60/338,798 filed on Dec. 5, 2001, the contents ofwhich are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to systems and methods ofproviding synchronized information such as narratives, translations orother show related messages to individual patrons of rides, shows andexhibits.

2. General Background and State of the Art

There are several circumstances that may interfere with a person'sability to hear, and thereby interfere with a presentation ofinformation to the listener. For example, persons with hearing loss maymiss narratives, sound effects, music and other sound material relatedto the presentation, and messages in live performances, films,television and special events. Persons who do not speak the language orlanguages used in the presentation may miss narratives and other relatedmessages that are presented. The language barrier prevents many peoplefrom different cultures and languages from understanding, participatingor interacting with the information being presented. Backgroundenvironmental noise may also affect a person's ability to hear, andthereby diminish the effect of the presentation. Persons with severelyimpaired vision also miss visual portions of these presentations.

Captioning systems have been used in venues including museums, theatersand other auditoriums to provide foreign language translation orcaptioning for the hearing impaired. The most common of these systemsincludes “open captioning” whereby text is displayed on a projectionsurface or large adjacent display area where the entire audience can seethe captioning. Another common method of captioning is “reflectivecaptioning” which uses a transparent but reflective panel to display thetext from a rear projection while allowing the viewer to see the displayor performance through the panel. Yet another method utilizes individualhard-wired displays located in the back of a seat in front of theviewer.

Multiple channel assistive listening systems have also been used invenues including theaters, churches and auditoriums to provide amplifiednarration and foreign language translation. These systems have thecontent broadcast by infrared, radio frequency or inductive loops to thedevices carried by the patrons. In these cases, the content iscontinuously streamed with the content source being located in thefacility; the receiver simply played back the audio as it was received.In those instances where more than one language is provided, themultiple transmission frequencies sometimes cause interference with eachother (crosstalk). The available number of suitable frequencies alsolimits the number of channels. Radio frequency and inductive looptechnologies can also cause interference with other electronic equipmentwithin the venue. Personal audio devices have also been used in venuesincluding museums to provide narration in multiple languages. These aretypically manually activated systems where the patron is required toactivate the system, either by pressing a button or manually entering anumeric code.

Each of these systems has its own limitations. For example, opencaptioning can be obtrusive and distracting to other patrons. Thesesystems are generally not convenient to the user and are limited to oneor a few languages.

Moving ride vehicles in a venue such as an amusement park present anadditional set of problems in providing captioning due to such factorsas variations in vehicle speed, and lack of communications wiring tomoving vehicles.

Additionally, presentations often could be made more effective if theyincluded a method to provide interactivity between the audience and thepresenter(s).

SUMMARY

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide aconvenient system and method of presenting audio and/or visualinformation for the purposes of captioning, language translation,assistive listening, and descriptive audio to individual patrons ofrides, meeting areas, pathways, shows and exhibits without usingintrusive open captioning or hard wired individual display systems. Thepresent invention preferably makes use of infrared (IR) or radiofrequency (RF) signals to wirelessly trigger portable devices.

Wireless transmitters are installed at various locations includingwaypoints, signs, display areas, entrances, exits, and theater seatingareas. The transmitters are configured to send short messages, or codes,corresponding to waypoint location, type of sign, show time, time ofday, etc. The transmitters may be freestanding transmitters thatrepeatedly transmit stored messages, or the transmitters may send datafrom other equipment such as computers, show controllers, devices withprocessors or controllers, other transmitters, etc. The transmitters maycover a large area such as a theater, or be precisely directed to covera small area.

Guests carry portable devices loaded with content information such aslocation descriptions, sign contents, show content, alternate languagecontent, event times, etc. Content may be audio, graphical, or acombination of both.

When the device is within range of a transmitter sending codes, thedevice should be capable of receiving codes. Upon receiving a code, thedevice searches its memory for appropriate content, tests any logicconstraints, and presents content to the user. Logic can be based onuser preferences, time of day, time of event, locations of transmittersvisited, time of visits, sequence of transmitters visited, intendeddevice type, etc.

All portable devices have the common elements of receiver, processor,memory, and power source. Other elements of the devices vary dependingon intended applications. A portable captioning unit may have a display.A display, as used herein, may be defined as a visual display for textor graphics, or for audio information. For example, a portable audiodevice has an audio amplifier with speaker or earpiece. A portablecaptioning unit may have a visual display. Other devices may have bothaudio capability as well as a visual display, and further may have userinput capabilities. Portable devices may also have transmitters forcommunication with other portable devices, with system docking stations,with receivers in shows or attractions, etc. Portable devices may haveIR receivers, RF receivers, or both. Portable devices similarly may haveIR transmitters, RF transmitters, or both.

Content information may be loaded into the portable device memory at anytime prior to its use. A bulk storage device may be attached to theportable device, the portable device memory contents may be received viaa docking station data interface, or content may be streamed intoportable device memory via its wireless receiver. Examples of bulkstorage are flash memory cards, micro-drives, hard drives, CD-ROM disks,etc.

Content may be loaded into a portable device by connecting a cable, orplugging the device into a cradle or docking station having a connector.Examples of docking station data interfaces are Ethernet-based serial,RS-232 based serial, IRDA infrared serial, etc. It is possible toprovide docking stations at numerous locations available to the portabledevice user. It is also possible to provide large, multi-unit dockingstations that load many portable devices simultaneously. A dockingstation may connect to a freestanding storage device, or may be linkedto one or many remote content sources via a communications network. Thenetwork could include a local area network (LAN), Internet connection,satellite link, etc. The content could also be streamed to a deviceusing a wireless network. For example, streamed content could be loadedat a theater to send blocks of caption text to portable units shortlybefore sending text synchronizing commands; the content is buffered inportable device memory shortly before its presentation.

One such system could use high-speed RF transceivers to transfer contentto portable devices, while using an IR system to precisely aim locationsynchronizing codes to the portable device. It is also possible for aportable device to automatically request content download; as a usertravels to a new area with a portable device and receives location codesfor which it has no content, the device may transmit a request for newcontent. Such a content delivery system may connect to a freestandingstorage device, or may be linked to one or many remote content sourcesvia a communications network. The network could include a local areanetwork (LAN), Internet connection, satellite link, etc.

In one embodiment of the present invention, text captions aresynchronized with a theater presentation. A portable device with a textdisplay receives time codes from a theater transmitter. Caption text forthe entire theater presentation is stored in the device. The devicereceives the transmitter signals, extracts the current show time, anddisplays the appropriate text in time with the show.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a personal audio devicereceives location codes from transmitters mounted along a travel route.Transmitters are located at significant locations along the travelroute; transmission coverage at each location is restricted. As the usernears a location, the device receives the transmitter signals, searchesits memory for matching audio content, and plays the audio.

In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, a device playsspeech translated into the user's language. The theater transmittersends time codes during the theater presentation. The device memorycontains show speech content recorded in the user's language. Thereceiver in the device extracts the current show time, and plays thematching speech. The received time codes will synchronize show speecheven if the user has entered the theater mid-show.

The system and method of the present invention is designed for use in awide variety of locations. For example, the present invention issuitable for a theme park that contains a large number of differentattractions covering a large area and receives a large number ofvisitors, including tourists who may not speak the native language orvisitors with specials needs due to audio or visual impairment. Theinvention could also be used in theaters, museums, shopping malls,exhibit halls, convention centers, meeting areas, walkways or roadways,and a wide variety of other locations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing triggering of a personal device for a staticsign or display.

FIG. 2 is a schematic that shows triggering of a portable device fordynamic displays.

FIG. 3 is a schematic that shows triggering of a portable device forpresentations.

FIG. 4 is a schematic that shows triggering of a portable device on aride system or travel route.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary embodiment of the portable device in accordancewith the present invention.

FIG. 5 a is a block diagram of a portable audio device in accordancewith the present invention.

FIG. 5 b is a block diagram of a portable captioning device inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the system of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of multiple transmitters set up as repeaters.

FIG. 8 a is a block diagram of an infrared transmitter in accordancewith the present invention.

FIG. 8 b is a block diagram of a radio frequency transmitter inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram of packet data contents in accordance with theteachings of the present invention.

FIGS. 10-1 to 10-3 are a flow diagram in accordance with the teachingsof the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring more particularly to the drawings, one embodiment of thepresent invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. In this particularembodiment, a portable device is triggered by a static location.Wireless transmitter 10 is placed at a static location 12 such as asign, display, entrance, or exit area. The transmitter 10 is configuredto transmit a location code corresponding to its location foridentification purposes. A patron carries a portable device 14 that hasa wireless communications port capable of receiving the location codefrom transmitter 10 and processing this location code. The portabledevice 14 is capable of displaying text or graphics and/or playingaudio. The personal device 14 has a memory that is programmed with audioor visual content data relating to the location. When the patron iswithin range of transmitter 10, personal device 14 receives the locationcode. The device 14 is automatically triggered to play narratives,translations or other related material.

For example, the device 14 may be a personal audio device that playsdescriptive audio for the blind. The device may also show text andgraphics, and play narratives for the hearing impaired. The inventioncan also be used for language translation of a sign, menu, or other textdisplay. The transmitter sends a location code that triggers the device14 to display the appropriate text in the language preprogrammed intothe device memory. In yet a further embodiment of the present invention,the device plays a speech translation in the user's language.

FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention wherein awireless transmitter 10 triggers a portable device 14 based on bothlocation and time. For example, it may be necessary to synchronizeinformation with a dynamic display 16, such as a video monitor locatedin a theme park. In this particular embodiment, wireless transmitter 10is placed at a location where a dynamic display 16 is present. Thetransmitter 10 is configured to transmit a location code correspondingto its location as well as time codes for synchronization purposes. Theportable device 14 is then triggered to display text or play audio intime with the dynamic presentation or display 16.

For example, a guest carrying a portable device 14 in accordance withthe present invention arrives at a location where a dynamic display 16is present. This may include a video monitor, a scripted livepresentation, an animatronic show, etc. A wireless transmitter 10 isprogrammed to send codes identifying the location and the show time. Theshow time may be the amount of time into, or from the start of the showor presentation. Based on the code received, the device recognizes whento start playing its content so it is synchronous with the show orpresentation. The guest does not need to wait for the beginning of thenext show.

Similarly, FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of the presentinvention wherein text captions are synchronized with a theaterpresentation. Patrons of a theater 30 are given a portable captioningdevice 14 with a screen for displaying text and/or graphics. The theaterseats may optionally provide a resting place for the device if desiredby the patron. The portable device receives time codes from a wirelesstransmitter 10 located in the theater 30. Caption text for the entiretheater presentation is stored in the memory of device 14. Portabledevice 14 receives the codes sent by the transmitter, extracts thecurrent show time, and displays the appropriate text in time with theshow. In a stationary venue, the transmitters may transmit asynchronization code that triggers the device to display the appropriatecaptioning in synchronization with the audio track.

In one embodiment, transmitters 10 are sent time codes in data packets31 from an interface controller 32. The interface controller reads timeprompts off of a film projector or show controller 33. The interfacecontroller has the capability to direct the data packets to differenttransmitters as is necessary. In another embodiment, it is anticipatedthat a digital projector may be used in the theater. In this case, theremay be no need for a separate interface controller to read time promptsfrom the projector. The digital projector may recognize time prompts anddirectly transmit to the transmitters.

In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, a device playsspeech translated into the user's language. The theater transmittersends time codes during the theater presentation in the same way asdescribed above. The device memory contains show speech content recordedin the user's language. The receiver in the device extracts the currentshow time, and plays the matching speech. The received time codes willsynchronize show speech even if the user has entered the theater inmid-show.

FIG. 4 shows yet another embodiment of the present invention whereinpersonal devices 14 are triggered on a moving ride system 40. Thetransmitters 10 send location codes that trigger the device 14 todisplay the appropriate captioning as the ride vehicle enters eachspecific area or ‘scene’. In another embodiment of the presentinvention, a portable device 14 receives location codes fromtransmitters mounted along a travel route. Transmitters are located atsignificant locations along the travel route. The transmission coverageat each location is restricted so that there is no overlap. As the usernears a location, the device receives the transmitter signals, searchesits memory for matching content, and presents content to the user.

Minimally, the hardware requirements of a system of the presentinvention include: a portable audio/visual device with sufficientinternal memory to allow storage of all data to be played, a wirelesscommunications port such as an infrared port for receiving the triggersignal, and a wireless transmitter system such as infrared or radiofrequency, to trigger the device.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a portable device inaccordance with the present invention. All portable devices have thecommon elements of receiver 50, processor 52, memory 54, and powersource 56. Other elements of the devices vary depending on intendedapplications. In this exemplary embodiment, the portable device has botha display 53 for displaying text and/or graphics, in addition to anaudio amplifier 57 for playing sounds, which may be in the form ofspeech or musical tones. Memory 54 is where the data is stored on thedevice. The receiver 50 receives a code from the wireless transmitter,and processor 52 analyzes the code. The processor 52 interprets the codeto determine how to handle it. If the code is intended for that device,the device searches its memory 54 for content corresponding to the code.The content is then displayed on display 53 and/or plays sound throughthe audio amplifier 57. The portable device may also have transmitter 51which may be used to send an interactive code or packet to triggeraction in another handheld device, a show device, a networked receiver,etc. The portable device shown in FIG. 5 also shows user inputs 55, suchas pushbuttons, which may be used for interactive applications.

FIGS. 5 a and 5 b illustrate alternative embodiments of portable devicesin accordance with the present invention. FIG. 5 a shows a portablecaptioning device. FIG. 5 b illustrates a portable audio device. Theseportable devices both have the common elements of receiver 50, processor52, memory 54, and power source 56, as mentioned above. A portable audiodevice has, for example, an audio amplifier 51 with speaker or earpiece.A portable captioning unit may have a display 53. The portable devicemay have both audio output capability as well as a visual display. Theportable device may preferably include back lighting of the captioningor illuminated text to allow reading in a darkened environment as wouldbe typical of a theater or an amusement park ‘dark ride’. The portabledevice may also include some type of user input such as pushbuttons.

In an exemplary embodiment, the portable device could be a personaldigital assistant (PDA) such as the Compaq IPAQ or similar handheld witha wireless communications receiver. The receiver may act as amodification to existing devices that store and display textinformation.

The system of the present invention often consists of a network oftransmitters, all with different functionalities, as has been describedthus far. For example, some transmitters are programmed to send onlylocation-based codes, and other transmitters must be programmed to sendboth location-based, and time-based codes.

A networked transmitter system in accordance with the present inventionis illustrated in FIG. 6. In a theme park, a visitor carrying a portabledevice in accordance with the present invention will most likelyencounter a large number of transmitters at various locations in oneday. Each wireless transmitter 10 can be operated as a freestandingunit, a switch selectable unit, or be driven from an externalcontroller.

A freestanding unit requires only a power source, and continuouslytransmits data that has been previously programmed in its non-volatilememory. A freestanding unit may be programmed by a controller, acomputer, a portable device, or may be programmed at assembly. In thiscase, a freestanding transmitter broadcasts the same data packets, orcodes, continuously.

A switch selectable transmitter alternatively utilizes a switch orkeypad input connected to the transmitter's digital inputs to selectdifferent data to be continuously transmitted.

Another mode of operation uses either hard-wired or wireless serialports in the transmitter to receive data from external controllers,computers, other transmitters, etc. This allows a transmitter to receivecontinuously varying data (such as show times), format the data, andtransmit data packets to the portable devices. For example, FIG. 6 showscontroller 62, workstation 64, server 65, and time clock 66, all locatedon a communications network. Any one of the controller 62, workstation64, server 65 can control the data that is sent from a transmitter. Inone implementation, the interface controller 60 may receive time codesfrom show controller 61; for example, controller 61 may providesynchronizing time codes such as longitudinal time code (LTC), filmframe markers, or proprietary schemes. In another implementation, thecontroller 61 may send a digital start pulse or close a switch toindicate the beginning of its presentation; this signal wouldsynchronize a free-running clock in the interface controller 60. Inanother implementation, a controller 62 may be connected to automaticequipment or an operator switch panel at a remote location; a switch oroutput would trigger the interface controller 60 to send one of manystored codes, or to synchronize its free-running clock. In anotherimplementation, an operator may use workstation 64 to send a command tointerface controller 60; this might cause a code to be immediately sentvia transmitters 10, or could queue codes for later transmission byinterface controller 60 and transmitters 10. In another implementation,server 65 and interface controller 60 may exchange information

In other implementations, server 65 and interface controller 60 mayexchange information. Interface controller 60 may request informationfrom server 65 periodically, for example times of shows or buildingopening times. Alternatively, server 65 may push information to one ormany interface controllers 60. In another implementation, transmitters10 may send status and fault information to interface controller 60,which then communicates with workstation 64 or server 65; this allowsoperators to view status and detect faults from remote locations.

By placing one transmitter in range of another transmitter, the secondtransmitter, by receiving wireless data, can act a repeater for thefirst. By doing this, transmitter coverage area may be increased withoutwires connected between transmitters. This principle may be used withtwo, three, or more transmitters acting as repeaters. A transmitteraddress embedded in the wireless serial data packet may define thedestination transmitter.

FIG. 7 shows an example of two infrared repeaters. A first transmitter71 and second transmitter 72 are located within range of each other. Thefirst transmitter 71 sends a code that is received by the secondtransmitter 72. The receiver of the second transmitter 72 is in sight ofthe first transmitter's 71 infrared output. Second transmitter 72 thensends the same code again. A third transmitter 73, is in turn, locatedwithin range of second transmitter 72, but may or may not be withinrange of the first transmitter. Since third transmitter 73 is in line ofsight with second transmitter 72, third transmitter 73 receives and thensends the same code. Overlapping coverage may be avoided by settingneeded time delays in transmitters. With time delays, only onetransmitter is sending a code at a time. The method of using repeatersallows the coverage area to increase without adding wires betweentransmitters. This is useful in congested areas such as streets orwalkways; it is also minimizes the costs of installations. A similarsystem of repeaters may be constructed using RF transceivers.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the wirelesstransmitter system comprises high intensity infrared emitters, capableof transmitting messages up to 100 feet in bright sunlight. To allowtargeted data transmission, visual barriers may confine the infraredsignals from the emitters. These emitters are ideal for applicationssuch as transferring data to a handheld device in a localized area, suchas a museum display or a scene in a theme park attraction; synchronizinghandheld captioning or translation devices with movie images;transferring data from a ride vehicle.

Block diagrams of wireless transmitters in accordance with the presentinvention are illustrated in FIGS. 8 a and 8 b. The wirelesstransmitters shown in FIGS. 8 a and 8 b have the common elements ofmemory 80, interface 82, controller 84, and power source 85. Theinfrared transmitter utilizes an array of infrared light emitting diodes86 (LEDs) to transmit data. The radio frequency transmitter shown inFIG. 8 b utilizes an RF antenna 88 to transmit data.

The sizes and shapes of infrared emitters may vary, but all have thecommon elements of power source, controller, driver electronics, and oneor more infrared light sources. In an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention, an infrared emitter is housed in a weatherproofenclosure with an infrared filter covering the opening of an infraredLED array, and a connector is provided for electrical connections suchas power, serial data communication, and status signals. The controller84 is connected to high-current LED drive transistors, current-sensingelectronics, ambient light sensor, serial interface electronics,non-volatile memory, and an infrared receiver. The controller 84 turnsthe LED drive transistors on and off at appropriate times to send aserial data packet. LED drive current can be adjusted to vary theemitter power, and therefore emitter range. The ambient light sensor maybe used to vary emitter power based on variable interference, such assunlight during the day. Current through the LED arrays may be monitoredto ensure proper function and isolate faulty LED arrays.

As described above, the transmitter memory may be programmed with one ormany data packets that the emitter continuously transmits. The memorymay also contain configuration data such as emitter address, powersetting, frequency of transmission, etc. The controller may receive datavia serial interface 82 or the infrared receiver 83. The transmittermemory 80 preferably contains configuration data such as power,transmitted address, repetition rate, assigned address, and repeaterdelay time. For example, the power of an infrared emitter can be set toone of several different settings. The power can be set at a specificpower level from approximately full power, to 10% power.

The transmitted address is generally included in every data packet sentby the transmitter. It may be used as another transmitter's filteringcriteria, so that a repeater will only respond to another transmitterwith a specific address.

The repetition rate may be used to set the frequency of transmissionswhen the transmitter operates as a freestanding transmitter. Forexample, a transmitter could be configured to transmit a data packetfrom memory 4 times per second.

The assigned address tells a repeater the address of its master. It willcheck, when receiving data, to assure that the source is that of itsmaster. If the address in the data being received is not that of itsmaster, it is ignored.

Finally, the repeater delay time is used to insert a fixed delay betweenthe received packet and the transmitted packet. This is useful wheremore than one repeater is being used.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the basic structure of thedata packets, or codes, which are sent by the transmitters. The datapacket always starts with a header 91 that signifies the start of a newdata packet. The data packet also contains a “count” byte 92 that isused to indicate the length or type of packet.

The address block 93 designates an address for a receiving device. Inthe case of repeating transmitters, this field is used to designatewhich transmitter receives the message to act as a repeater. The addressfield is also used to pinpoint certain devices.

For example, in the scenario described above where multiple transmittersare arranged to act as repeaters, the address field 93 is used to directthe flow of traffic from one transmitter to the next. The address field93 can also be used to direct certain data for certain types of devices.For example, audio devices would only recognize audio data. Captioningdevices would only recognize captioning data.

There may additionally be a field that designates the type of packet.This is indicated by the type field 94. For example, the data packet maystrictly be a location-based code. Also the data packet may be asynchronizing or time based code.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the data format fora location-based code could be as follows. Four numbers may be used tolocate a theater geographically. The first number represents thecountry. The second number represents the state. The third numberrepresents a specific theater. The fourth number represents the screenwithin the theater venue.

The data field 95 generally contains the code as has been described inaccordance with the present invention thus far. The data field 95 maycontain location codes, show synchronizing codes, time of day codes,database update information, special effect triggers, etc.

Finally, the checksum 96 uses a combination of all the preceding bytesto verify that the packet has arrived at its location in its entirety.

FIGS. 10-1 to 10-3 are a flow diagram that illustrate how data packetsare handled by a portable device. When the portable device is poweredon, it is capable of receiving data packets. The receiving device firstchecks to see if the data packet is in valid format as shown at block101 by verifying its header and calculating its checksum. If the packetis valid, the device then goes on to search its database as shown inblocks 105 for the proper corresponding presentation content alreadyresident in its memory. If the data packet is not in valid format, thedevice continues to wait for data packets, respond to user input, andmatch time-based events with its internal clock.

Valid packet data is further analyzed to determine the message type(location code 104, synchronization code 106, effect trigger 112, etc.)Based on the message type, the remaining serial data is used to locatepresentation material in the PDA memory. For example, a synchronizationserial message received in a theater will contain data specifying thetheater location, show playing, and current time in the show. This PDAwill search its memory for audio or visual content in that show at thecurrent time, and present the material on its display or through itsaudio amplifier.

For the example of a portable device receiving a valid synchronizingcode, the time offset information from the code will be used tocalculate an offset into the presentation data file. So, if a portableaudio device is taken into a theater at mid-show, the audio content willbegin playback from mid-show.

As shown in FIG. 10-3, different types of data may be handled indifferent ways depending on the type of data. For example, at an audioevent 112 and graphical event 115 are handled quite similarly. Theportable device searches its content database, as shown at block 113,and upon locating the appropriate data file, presents the content on thedevice. A special effect event 117 may immediately trigger a specificeffect such as lights, buzzing, or vibrating.

The portable device could also contain some user preferences. In thecase of foreign language translation, the specific language fortranslation could be configured on the device. The device mayalternatively contain other types of information that is representativeof the guest using the device.

Other applications exist for the present invention. For example, specialpins distributed for guests to wear respond to triggers during paradesand at attractions and shows. The trigger may be as simple as a displayof lights, or a musical chime. By using a large number of transmitters10 and interface controllers 60 connected to a communications network,all transmitters may be utilized simultaneously. The resulting coveragearea may be huge, and all devices may be triggered at once, creating amass audience event. Typical coverage areas would be stadiums, themeparks, entire parade routes, convention halls, etc.

A handheld device may provide different games associated with variousattractions as the visitor walks near the attraction.

In particular embodiments, toys could include IR or RF receivers thatrespond to triggers located throughout a theme park and provide locationbased information at each of those venues. For example, a stuffed animalcould be triggered to speak or move while carried through differentareas of a theme park, acting as a tour guide for a child.

The memory in the portable device may be used to automatically storeusage patterns. The stored information may be used to alter a device'spresentation, may be used for tracking user preferences, may be used toinfer user location and direction, or may be used to identify missingcodes and faulty transmitters.

For example, a portable audio device user repeatedly visiting a locationmay hear different descriptions on visit 2, visit 3, etc. Repeatedreturn visits to one location may infer a high user interest, so thedevice may present more and more detailed content on each visit.

Information stored in a portable device may be retrieved via itstransmitter. The information gathered from many devices may be collectedin a database. The database may contain the travel path and times, aswell as the history of user requests (via pushbuttons or touch-screen.)The data may be anonymous, and analyzed to determine group behavior,identify popular locations, isolate busy and idle times, etc. A usercould also enter personal information such as name, and the extracteddata could be used to reconstruct vacation activities, or reminisceabout favorite locations.

The data collected in the portable device may be matched againstgeographical information also stored in the portable device. Analyzingthe locations visited and the sequence of the visits could infer adirection of future travel. The portable device could present contentthat suggested future destinations.

Information gathered from many devices, then collected in a database,may be analyzed for consistency. If a transmitter has failed, manydevices would return without any database entry from that transmitter.Database analysis would highlight the absence of that transmitter, andmaintenance personnel could be alerted.

In closing it is to be understood that the embodiments of the inventiondisclosed herein are illustrative of the principals of the invention.Other modifications may be employed which are within the scope of theinvention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to thatprecisely as is shown and described in the present specification.

1. A method of providing additional audio/video information during amovie to viewers in a theater, comprising: providing a viewer of a moviewith a portable device, the portable device being pre-programmed withdata representing audio/video information related to the movie;wirelessly transmitting at least one time code during the movie, thetime code being a time from a start of the presentation; receiving theat least one time code at the device; processing the at least one timecode to determine where to start audio/video information; and displayingthe audio/video information on the device in synchronization with themovie.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the information related to themovie comprises deleted scenes.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein theinformation related to the movie comprises commentary about the movie.4. The method of claim 1 wherein the information related to the moviecomprises a separate audio track for the movie.
 5. The method of claim 4wherein the audio track is in a foreign language.